Statement at 2001 Session of UN Disarmament Commission by Ambassador Hu Xiaodi, Head of the Chinese Delegation

(10 April 2001)

2001/04/10

Madam Chairperson,

First of all, let me congratulate you, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, on your assumption of the chairmanship of the current session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission. I am convinced that with your wisdom and diplomatic experience, you will lead the conference to a success. The Chinese delegation will cooperate fully with you, the Bureau and other delegations. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Javad Zarif, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, for the contribution he made as Chairman of the last session of the UNDC.

Madam Chairperson,

Mankind has entered the 21st century. At present, the international situation on the whole is moving towards relaxation. To seek peace, cooperation and development is the common aspiration of the international community. It also represents the general trend of the times. Nonetheless, there are a number of hidden dangers on the international security arena. The Cold War mentality, hegemonism and power politics die hard. An inclination of acquiring absolute security by military edge has been on the rise. Due to territorial disputes, ethnic clashes and religious differences, some countries suffer from political turmoil and social unrest and some regions are plagued with rampant conflicts.

At the beginning of the new millennium, countries take keener interest in lasting peace and common development of mankind and desire new concepts and fresh ways of promoting international security that indeed reflect the trend of the times. In today's world, security is mutual and indivisible. No country exists in complete isolation from the international community, nor can any country address all its security concerns completely on its own. While seeking its own security, a country must consider whether the relevant measures help increase common security of all countries. True security for one country can only be realized when it is built on the basis of universal security and extensive international cooperation. Military superiority never guarantees security. Unilateralism at the expense of other countries' security leads only to greater insecurity.

China advocates the establishment of a new security concept centering on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, cooperation and settlement of disputes through dialogue. We in China believe that seeking absolute security for oneself through strengthened military alliance and intensified arms race does not go along with the trend of the times and will never lead to genuine security. Only when mutual trust is enhanced through consultations and dialogue on an equal footing in pursuit of common security, can peace and stability be genuinely maintained.

China has always attached great importance to the UNDC and supported its continued efforts in promoting international arms control and disarmament. The Chinese delegation maintains that the positive role of the UNDC in formulating guidelines for global arms control is irreplaceable. This forum needs to be strengthened in the current situation. We will continue contributing to the success of the UNDC with a constructive attitude.